Stay in touch with Iran and other countries to ensure safe departure of Indian ships: MEA

New Delhi: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said the government continues to be in touch with the Iranian authorities to ensure safe passage of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, while stressing that New Delhi attaches great importance to the safety of seafarers and transit through the strait should be unhindered.Speaking to reporters, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said several Indian ships were in the Persian Gulf and the government was in touch with Iran and other countries to ensure their safe departure. He said: “Two of our ships came under fire on Saturday. When it was reported to us, we dealt with it very strongly. We summoned the Iranian ambassador. He met with the foreign secretary. The foreign secretary conveyed our deep concern about the incident and reiterated what we have always emphasized, that we take the safety and security of commercial shipping seafarers very seriously and that there should be unhindered passage through the Strait of Hormuz.” The Ministry of Shipping said it is in close and continuous communication with the crew and owners of the two ships and is paying close attention to developments. It is continuously monitoring the situation and has pledged to provide all possible help.